The art of letting people go. How do you do it?

Interesting convo and I'm not sure creative would be in there for me, unless Martha is getting at the need to be creative to avoid the thought of redundancy or in what the employee sitting in front of us can do instead.

I think the order is indicative too. Be kind is often now a trite phase when, if it's truly embedded, then it's much more than a slogan, it's about the whole approach, before, during and after. Be human seems to encapsulate things for me - ie avoid firing by text and email- and handle the emotions in front of you as well as those within you.

I agree it needs to be delivered quickly. Don't talk too much (as the person delivering the news).

Finally learn from the times you don't do this well. If you don't learn then :-(

A few random tips - not necessarily comprehensive but from past harrowing experiences:
1. Don't allow managers loose on this alone unless they're fully briefed and competent.
2. Ensure dignity and privacy - eg avoid the 'walk of shame' where it becomes obvious to colleagues what's going on and to whom.
3.. Context is all, but usually notifying someone that they'll no longer have a job is cataclysmic to them, so stick to the basics / keep it simple / don't beat about the bush or ramble-on and leave the details to another time, as typically they'll be in deep shock and unable to think straight or take in any detail.
4. Ensure appropriate and adequate support - both immediate and continuing such as appropriate counselling etc. Ideally adequate support will be both financial and non-monetary such as counselling etc. They need to be helped to find workable solutions to the problem.
5. It can be traumatic for those doing the deed too - so take care of their mental health as well.

Oh god yes, to number 1.

Oh god yes, to number 1.